. >> reporter: republicans believe that senate majority leader harry reid has been effective in shielding his members from some tough votes on items such as the budget but we've been assured there will be a budget this year so that unity and enthusiasm may be tested early. jenna? jenna: if you had a nickel forever time --, no. we would all be really rich. that there would be unity on capitol hill. we've heard some from the senate democrats about some of the issues they're worried about ahead. what have you heard within the halls of capitol hill? >> reporter: jenna, gun control is a prime example in places like new york, new jersey, california. gun control is popular. but harry reid also has democratic members from places like west virgina, arkansas, louisiana, and alaska where gun control can be dirty words. here is senator reid speaking recently about his conversation with california's dianne feinstein about an assault weapons ban. >> she's talked to me about her assault weapons ban, a new one. she believes in it fervently and i admire her for that. i will take a look at that. as i have